The 3 basketball shooting drill gives coaches a simple way to help players find their current shooting comfort zone, then push that range with purpose. Instead of letting players float around the floor and fire random shots, this drill creates a clear progression: make three close, step back, make three under pressure, then stretch the range even more.
Players love shooting, but not every shot helps them grow. Some shots are too easy. Some are way too hard. This drill helps players discover the sweet spot between comfortable, challenging and confidence-building.
It’s a great fit for individual workouts, small-group training or a focused shooting segment during practice.
What is the 3 basketball shooting drill?
The 3 basketball shooting drill is also called the Three Four Drill in the TeachHoops video above. The idea is simple. A player starts close to the basket and must make three shots in a row. After that, the player steps back to a more challenging range and must make three out of five. Finally, the player moves to a deeper range and tries to make three out of six.
Each round stretches the shooter a little more. The three levels look like this:
| Level | Shot Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Close range | 3-for-3 | Build rhythm and confidence |
| Mid range or extended range | 3-for-5 | Challenge consistency |
| Deep range | 3-for-6 | Stretch shooting range |
The first spot should be close, but it doesn’t have to be a layup. Players should pick a short shot they expect to make. The second spot should push them a little. The third spot should stretch them, which could mean a high school 3-pointer, college 3-pointer or deeper shot depending on the player’s age and skill level.
Why this shooting drill works
This drill works because it gives players immediate feedback. They learn quickly which shots are automatic, which shots are realistic and which shots need more work.
A player who breezes through the first round may need to start a little farther out next time. One who struggles to go 3-for-5 may have found the edge of their current range. A player who can hit three out of six from deep is starting to build confidence beyond their normal comfort zone. The drill also adds pressure without making it too complicated.
Players have to finish each stage before moving on. If they miss too many shots at a level, they restart or repeat that range. That creates focus, accountability and a little competitive tension.
Coaches can use this drill to help players understand a key question: Where can you shoot with confidence right now, and where do you need more reps?
How to run the 3 basketball shooting drill
Start the player about 4 or 5 feet from the basket. The player chooses a shot they should be able to make three times in a row. This could be a short jumper, a bank shot or a simple form shot just outside the lane. Once the player makes three straight, they step back.
At the second spot, the player must make three out of five. This should be a shot that feels realistic, but not automatic. For younger players, this might be a mid-range jumper. For older players, this could be a shorter 3-pointer. After making three out of five, the player moves to the final spot.
At the third spot, the player must make three out of six. This is the range that stretches them. For a high school player, that may be a college or NBA-range 3. For a middle school player, it may be a deeper mid-range jumper.
Here’s the basic setup:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Pick a close shot and make 3-for-3 |
| 2 | Step back and make 3-for-5 |
| 3 | Move to a stretch range and make 3-for-6 |
| 4 | Repeat from a new angle or side of the floor |
| 5 | Track results to measure progress |
This can take a few minutes, especially when players are honest about choosing the right spots. That’s part of the value. The drill teaches players to think about range, rhythm and repeatable results.
Coaching points for better shooting reps
The 3 basketball shooting drill is simple, but coaches can make it much more effective with a few clear reminders.
First, players should pick honest spots. The close shot shouldn’t be a free layup, but it also shouldn’t be too difficult. The second shot should challenge them. The final shot should stretch them without turning into a wild heave.
Second, players need to shoot game-like reps. They should catch or gather cleanly, square their feet and finish with balance. If the player is rushing just to complete the drill, slow it down and clean up the details.
Third, coaches should encourage players to notice patterns. If a player keeps missing short, the range may be too deep or the legs may be fading. The shooter may need better alignment if misses go left or right. If the player makes the first two shots at a spot, then tightens up on the third, that’s a chance to talk about pressure.
Use quick coaching cues like:
- Hold the follow-through.
- Finish balanced.
- Shoot the same shot every time.
- Pick a realistic spot.
- Don’t drift.
- Use your legs.
- Track makes and misses.
Simple cues keep the drill sharp without stopping the flow.
How coaches can adjust the drill
This drill works for different ages and skill levels because the spots are flexible. For beginners, the three levels might be short jumper, free-throw area and mid-range. For advanced players, the levels might be short corner, high school 3 and NBA-range 3. Coaches can also run the drill from five spots around the floor to build a full shooting workout.
Here are a few variations:
| Variation | How it works |
| Around the world | Complete the drill from five shooting spots |
| Partner passing | Add a passer so every rep comes off a catch |
| Timed round | Give players a time limit to finish all three levels |
| Competition format | First player to complete the drill wins |
| Weak-side focus | Start from the player’s less comfortable side |
Coaches can also use the drill as a range test at the start or end of a season. Track where players successfully complete each level, then revisit the drill later to measure improvement.
Final thoughts on the 3 basketball shooting drill
The 3 basketball shooting drill is a smart way to build confidence, challenge consistency and stretch range without wasting reps. Players start with a shot they should make, move into a shot they need to prove and finish with a shot that pushes their limits.
For coaches, this drill creates a cleaner picture of each player’s shooting zone. For players, it builds better awareness of where they can score right now and where they need more work.
Add it to a shooting workout, use it as a quick competition or make it part of weekly player development. With the right spots and steady standards, this drill can help players take stronger shots, stretch their range and build better shooting habits.
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